DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits

Health & Safety Recommendations

Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use and follow all local site safety rules. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. Provide good ventilation when working indoors, particularly in basements, cellars and other confined areas. When drilling, masonry dust can be harmful, so use appropriate dust extraction or respiratory protection, plus hearing protection where required.

Ensure safe access along the full treatment line and keep the work area clear of trip hazards, trailing cables and debris. Confirm the location of electrical cables, pipework and other services before drilling, and avoid drilling into unknown voids. If the wall is structurally unsound, severely cracked, or showing signs of movement, resolve this before treatment. Where there is any doubt about the cause of dampness or the suitability of the wall construction, obtain competent professional advice before proceeding.

Substrate Suitability

DampSolve Damp Proof Cream is intended for injection into masonry to control rising damp, typically via a mortar bed. It is suitable for most common masonry types, including solid brickwork, blockwork, cavity walls and many stone constructions, provided a practical drilling pattern can be formed to create continuity across the selected course.

Cavity walls can be treated by dealing with the relevant masonry leaf at the chosen DPC level, provided cavities are clear and the drilling strategy supports full coverage. Random stone and rubble-filled walls require greater care because mortar beds may be irregular and some stones can be porous. In walls thicker than 350mm, drilling from both sides at a corresponding height is commonly required to achieve effective coverage through the full thickness. Walls should be structurally sound and not friable to the point where drilling and injection cannot be controlled.

Drilling Preparation

Start by confirming that rising damp is the issue being addressed and reduce other moisture sources that can mimic rising damp. Check and repair rainwater goods, gutters, downpipes and drainage so surface water is carried away from the building. Confirm that external ground levels, render, paving, internal screeds or bridging debris are not bypassing the intended DPC level. As a general rule, the DPC line should be at least 150mm above external ground level wherever practical, and as close to internal floor level as possible when solid floors are present, without creating bridging.

Internally, remove skirtings, fixtures and finishes that obstruct access to the chosen mortar bed. Salt-contaminated plaster should be removed from the area to be treated to at least 300mm above the highest visible level of damp staining, or higher where contamination is extensive. Check flooring timbers and embedded joist ends at low level for signs of fungal decay and address any timber defects as part of the overall remediation. For cavity walls, ensure the cavity is clear of debris at the intended DPC level, as bridging within the cavity can compromise performance. Where adjoining structures are not being treated or where ground levels change, plan continuity details so that untreated sections do not allow moisture to bypass the new DPC line.

Drill 12mm diameter holes horizontally in the selected mortar bed, keeping hole centres no greater than 120mm apart. Hole depth should be approximately 90% of the wall thickness, adjusted pro rata for intermediate thicknesses. As a practical guide for common wall thicknesses, drill to approximately 100mm for 115mm walls, 210mm for 230mm walls, 320mm for 345mm walls, and 430mm for 460mm walls. In irregular masonry, ensure the drilling pattern targets the base of all perpends along the chosen course so that continuity is maintained across the wall. Where drill holes become blocked, re-drill immediately prior to injection or drill an additional hole nearby to ensure the correct volume of cream can be introduced.

Application Method

Prepare the cartridge by piercing the metal film at the top of the 1L cartridge, then screw on the brass DPC injection nozzle securely. Load the cartridge into the Cox Powerflow Cartridge Gun in accordance with the gun manufacturer’s set-up method, ensuring the cartridge is seated correctly and the drive mechanism engages smoothly. Check that the nozzle is clear and that the cream extrudes consistently before beginning injection along the wall.

Insert the brass nozzle to the full depth of the drilled hole. Begin dispensing and steadily backfill as you withdraw the nozzle, aiming to fill the hole fully to within approximately 10mm of the face. This backfilling method helps prevent voids and ensures the cream is placed from the rear of the hole outwards for consistent distribution into the mortar bed and surrounding masonry.

Continue hole by hole along the selected mortar course, maintaining the same drill spacing, depth and fill level. Pay particular attention around corners, chimney breasts, reveals and changes in wall thickness, as these are common locations where continuity can be unintentionally broken. Wipe away any spills immediately and dispose of contaminated wipes appropriately. Keep the nozzle clean during use so that injection remains consistent and the backfilling method can be maintained accurately.

Coverage

Coverage varies with wall thickness, hole spacing, hole depth and substrate type. For accurate planning and ordering, refer to the coverage table below, which should be based on drilling centres of up to 120mm and hole depths of approximately 90% of wall thickness.

If masonry is unusually porous, irregular, or thicker than expected, allow additional material and adjust drilling strategy where necessary to maintain continuity.

Curing Time

DampSolve forms its hydrophobic barrier as it migrates and cures within the masonry. Final cure typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on wall thickness, substrate porosity and site conditions. Walls can remain damp for a period after installation, particularly where hygroscopic salts are present or where the wall has been saturated for a long time, so visible improvement is usually progressive rather than immediate.

For best results, allow injected walls to dry for as long as practical before replastering. A minimum waiting period of 14 days is commonly recommended before commencing salt management and replastering, although longer drying times are beneficial where programme allows. Good ventilation and stable background heat support drying and help the wall reach a stable moisture profile.

Finishing

Externally, drill holes can be finished by re-pointing with a matching sand and cement mortar to blend with existing masonry. Alternatively, Universal DPC Injection Plugs can be used to close and tidy the holes neatly, selecting the closest colour to suit the wall finish. Whichever method is chosen, ensure the holes are sealed neatly without creating a bridge that could undermine the DPC line.

Internally, holes can be left open if the replastering specification is designed to stop short of the DPC line, or they can be filled as part of making good prior to finishing, depending on the detailing required. Maintain a consistent DPC height and avoid finishing approaches that effectively bypass the treated mortar bed.

Decoration

Decoration should only take place after the wall has had sufficient time to dry and after salt-contaminated plaster has been addressed correctly. If salts remain, staining and finish failure can occur even when the DPC is performing as intended. Where replastering is required, use an appropriate salt-resistant system such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof in line with a suitable specification.

Do not redecorate too early. Allow new plaster systems to cure and dry as instructed by the plaster manufacturer, and select breathable finishes where specified. Avoid impermeable wall coverings or coatings that can trap residual moisture unless the wall system has been designed for that purpose.

Cleaning

Clean spillages immediately using warm soapy water on suitable surfaces. Keep tools, the outside of the nozzle and the work area clean during use to avoid build-up and smearing onto adjacent finishes. If DampSolve contacts non-target surfaces, it may dry clear, but cleaning straight away is still best practice to maintain a tidy finish.

At the end of the job, remove the cartridge and clean the gun and nozzle externally. Follow the Cox Powerflow gun manufacturer’s maintenance guidance to keep the drive mechanism and cartridge seating area in good working order. Once cured, residues can be difficult to remove and may require mechanical removal.

Limitations

DampSolve is designed to control rising damp by forming a chemical DPC barrier, but it does not resolve other damp mechanisms such as penetrating damp, leaks, condensation, or lateral moisture ingress below ground level. Bridging of the DPC by external ground, internal floor screeds, render, debris in cavities, or plaster taken below DPC level can compromise performance and must be addressed as part of the overall remedial specification.

Performance depends on correct drilling patterns, hole depths and complete injection along an unbroken treatment line. Missed holes, blocked holes, poor depth control, or gaps at returns and junctions can reduce effectiveness. In very thick walls, highly irregular masonry, or where access is only possible from one side, drilling strategy may need adjustment and in some cases drilling from both sides at the same height is necessary.

Other Information

Plan the full treatment line before drilling, including corners, party walls, changes in ground level, chimney breasts and any adjoining structures. Provide vertical DPC continuity where required to connect horizontal DPC lines and isolate untreated wall sections. Keep the DPC height at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible, and as close to internal floor level as practical where solid floors are present.

If you are unsure whether the wall construction is solid, cavity, rubble-filled, or unusually thick, establish this before treatment so that drilling depths and drilling strategy are correct. Rising damp control works best as part of a complete remedial package that includes moisture source control, correct DPC placement, salt management, appropriate replastering and suitable decoration.

Q) What are DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits, and what are they designed to do?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are designed to treat rising damp in existing masonry by forming an in-situ chemical damp proof course within a selected mortar bed. Rising damp is moisture drawn up from the ground through capillaries in mortar and masonry, often leaving salts that damage plaster and finishes at low level. The kit uses a silane-based emulsion cream injected into 12mm drilled holes, where it migrates through the pore structure, transitions towards a more fluid phase, and cures to create a hydrophobic barrier. This barrier restricts further capillary moisture movement while still allowing vapour diffusion, helping the wall dry progressively once external moisture sources and bridging issues are controlled.

Q) What is included in a DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kit?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are supplied in a contractor-friendly format for faster, more consistent injection work. The kit includes DampSolve silane-based DPC cream in 1L cartridges, a Cox Powerflow Cartridge Gun to provide smooth, higher-force extrusion, and a brass DPC injection nozzle that helps reach full hole depth and supports backfilling from the rear outwards. Kits also include 12mm x 260mm SDS drill bits, with quantities matched to the kit size, to support clean drilling in typical mortar beds and masonry. The purpose is to provide a reliable, repeat-use set-up that reduces downtime on longer runs, while keeping dosing controlled and tidy compared with pump-applied or free-pour systems.

Q) How does DampSolve Damp Proof Cream form a chemical DPC inside the wall?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream forms a chemical damp proof course by treating the mortar bed and adjacent masonry pores where moisture rises. Once injected into drilled holes, the cream migrates into the pore structure and gradually reverts towards a more fluid phase, allowing it to spread laterally along the mortar joint network. As curing progresses, the silane chemistry passivates across the treated line and creates a continuous hydrophobic zone. That zone repels liquid water and restricts capillary rise from the ground, which is the key mechanism behind rising damp. Because the barrier forms within the wall rather than on the surface, the result depends on continuity, correct hole spacing, correct depth, and consistent filling at corners, returns and junctions.

Q) Why choose DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits instead of 380ml cartridge kits?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are often chosen where productivity and consistency matter, such as longer elevations, multi-room ground-floor perimeters, or repeat remedial work. The larger 1L format reduces how often cartridges need changing, which helps maintain a steady injection rhythm and minimises interruptions along a long treatment line. The Cox Powerflow gun is also designed for smoother, higher-force extrusion, which can improve control and consistency when backfilling deeper holes. The brass nozzle adds rigidity and reach, helping maintain correct depth placement and reducing the chance of short-filling. A 380ml kit can suit shorter runs and one-off work, but the 1L format is generally more efficient when the job length or frequency increases.

Q) Where in a property are DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits typically used?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are typically used in ground-floor masonry walls showing rising damp symptoms, such as tide marks, salt deposits, decayed skirtings, blown plaster and repeated paint failure close to floor level. Common areas include front rooms, hallways, dining rooms, internal partitions, chimney breasts, and perimeter walls where external ground conditions and historic DPC bridging have allowed moisture rise. The injection line is placed in a chosen mortar bed that can be drilled consistently and maintained as a continuous route through the affected walls. These kits are also commonly used during refurbishment when skirtings are removed and plaster is stripped to manage salt contamination. They can be installed internally or externally, provided the DPC height is set correctly relative to ground levels and internal finishes.

Q) Which wall types are suitable for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are suitable for many common UK masonry constructions where a continuous drilling line can be formed along a mortar bed. This includes solid brickwork, blockwork, cavity wall leaves, and many stone walls, subject to sensible assessment of mortar condition and wall stability. The wall should be structurally sound and capable of being drilled cleanly so holes remain open to full depth. Cavity walls can be treated, but the strategy must ensure the correct leaf, or both leaves where required, are fully treated and that cavity debris at DPC level is not bridging the barrier. Random stone and rubble-filled walls can be more variable, so drilling positions may need adjustment to maintain a continuous treated band. Very thick walls may require drilling from both sides at the same height.

Q) How do I confirm the damp is rising damp before using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) Confirming the damp mechanism helps avoid treating the wrong issue. Rising damp is typically concentrated at low level and often comes with salts, powdery deposits, blistered paint, failing plaster and decayed joinery near the floor. However, similar symptoms can be caused by penetrating damp from leaking gutters, downpipes, poor pointing, cracked render, or defective drainage, and by condensation in cold rooms with poor ventilation. A sensible pre-check includes inspecting rainwater goods, external wall defects, plumbing leaks, air ventilation, and whether damp patches worsen after rainfall. External ground levels should also be checked for bridging, as raised paving or render can cause low-level damp without true rising damp being the main driver. Where diagnosis is uncertain, treatment planning should be based on a proper survey rather than symptoms alone.

Q) Where should the injection line be installed for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) The injection line should be placed so it blocks capillary moisture rise while avoiding bridging by external ground and internal finishes. A common good-practice target is at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible. Internally, the line is often set as close to finished floor level as practical, particularly with solid floors, provided the external detailing still prevents bridging. If internal floor levels are below external ground, additional measures below the DPC line may be needed to manage lateral moisture risk, so height selection becomes more critical. The most important principle is continuity: the line should run unbroken through corners, returns, chimney breasts and junctions with internal partitions. Any gaps or discontinuities can allow moisture to bypass the treated course and continue showing as dampness elsewhere.

Q) What drilling pattern is recommended for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are typically installed using 12mm diameter holes drilled along the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Consistent spacing supports overlapping treated zones so a continuous hydrophobic barrier can form along the course. The drilling line should be level and follow one mortar bed wherever possible, as switching between beds can reduce continuity. In older or irregular masonry, drilling positions should be chosen to maintain the most continuous route along the joint network, including around perpends where appropriate. After drilling, dust should be cleared from the holes to reduce blockage and support consistent injection. Corners, reveals and returns should be drilled with the same discipline as straight runs, as continuity is easiest to lose where the wall geometry changes or where access becomes awkward.

Q) How deep should holes be drilled when using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) Hole depth is typically set at around 90% of the wall thickness, which helps the cream reach through most of the wall section without breaking through. As practical examples, 115mm walls are commonly drilled to around 100mm, 230mm walls to around 210mm, 345mm walls to around 320mm, and 460mm walls to around 430mm, with intermediate thicknesses calculated proportionally. Depth control matters because shallow drilling can under-treat the wall and weaken continuity, while drilling through can cause loss of material and uneven dosing. If the mortar is friable and holes collapse or block, re-drilling or drilling an additional hole at the same height helps maintain dosing along the treatment line. Clean, open holes are essential for consistent backfilling and reliable DPC formation.

Q) How is DampSolve injected correctly with the Cox Powerflow gun and brass nozzle?

A) DampSolve injection should be carried out by backfilling each hole from the rear outwards to minimise voids. Insert the brass nozzle to the full depth of the drilled hole, begin dispensing steadily, and withdraw the nozzle slowly as the hole fills. The aim is to fill each hole fully to within about 10mm of the surface, keeping fill levels consistent along the entire run. The Cox Powerflow gun helps maintain smoother extrusion, while the rigid brass nozzle supports accurate depth placement, which is especially helpful on deeper holes and longer runs. Work methodically to avoid missed holes, and take extra care around corners, chimney breasts, reveals and changes in wall thickness. If a hole blocks or collapses, re-drill or add an adjacent hole at the same level so the treated line remains continuous.

Q) Can DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits be used on cavity walls?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits can be used on cavity construction, but the treatment strategy must prevent bypass and bridging. A common approach is to treat each leaf as a separate wall at the same height, drilling and injecting the correct pattern into each leaf. This reduces the risk of relying on product migration across an unknown cavity condition. Cavities should be clear at DPC level wherever possible, because debris can bridge the new barrier and allow moisture transfer. Particular attention is needed around openings, corners and party wall junctions where continuity is often lost. Bridging must also be controlled at finishes, including external render, internal plaster, and internal screeds that can bypass the treated course. When planned properly, treating cavity walls can reduce capillary rise and support long-term stability of low-level finishes.

Q) Do DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits work on thick walls and older properties?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are suitable for many older properties, but thick or irregular walls require drilling strategy that matches the construction. Older masonry can contain variable mortar strength, voids and irregular bedding, which can cause blocked holes or uneven uptake if drilling is rushed. Maintaining correct centres, clearing dust, and ensuring every hole is properly backfilled helps preserve continuity. For thick walls, distribution through the full thickness can be harder from one side, so drilling and injecting from both sides at the same height may be needed to achieve reliable coverage. Random stone and rubble-filled walls may require adapted drilling positions to follow the most continuous joint network. Performance is strongest when the chemical DPC is part of a complete approach, including correct DPC height, bridging control, and salt management in internal plaster.

Q) How much coverage do DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits provide?

A) Coverage depends mainly on wall thickness, hole depth and hole spacing, because thicker walls need deeper holes and therefore more cream per linear metre. A practical way to estimate requirements is to measure the total linear metres of wall to be treated, identify wall thicknesses, then plan 12mm holes at up to 120mm centres drilled to around 90% of the thickness. Irregular masonry, friable mortar and blocked holes can increase consumption because additional drilling and re-dosing may be needed to maintain continuity. Corners, returns, chimney breasts and internal partitions are commonly under-measured, so include these in totals. The 1L format improves productivity by reducing reload frequency, but it does not change the fundamental relationship between wall thickness and material usage. A sensible margin should always be included for site variables.

Q) How long does DampSolve take to cure, and how long will the wall take to dry afterwards?

A) DampSolve typically reaches final cure within around 2 to 6 weeks, influenced by wall thickness, moisture load, porosity, temperature and ventilation. During this time the cream migrates through the mortar bed and cures to form the hydrophobic barrier. Wall drying takes longer than chemical cure because the masonry above the DPC may have stored moisture and salts from long-term dampness. Visible damp patches can persist until the wall moisture profile stabilises and salts are managed correctly. Good background heating and steady ventilation help drying, while cold, unventilated conditions slow it down. Results are usually progressive rather than immediate, particularly in thick walls or heavily saturated construction. Where salt-contaminated plaster remains, finishes can still appear damp even if the DPC is functioning, which is why correct replastering is often essential for a clean visual outcome.

Q) Why is salt-resistant replastering recommended after using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) Salt-resistant replastering is recommended because rising damp often leaves hygroscopic salts in old plaster that continue to attract moisture from the air. Even after DampSolve has reduced capillary moisture movement within the wall, these salts can still cause staining, blistering, powdering and repeated decoration failure. Removing contaminated plaster helps stop salts from ruining new finishes and improves the likelihood that drying translates into a stable appearance. A typical approach is to strip affected plaster to at least 300mm above the highest visible sign of dampness, then reinstate with a salt-resistant system such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof, applied to an appropriate specification. This isolates residual salts and gives a more reliable base for decoration. Skipping salt management is a common reason chemical DPC work appears ineffective when the barrier itself is performing.

Q) When can redecorating be carried out after DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits are installed?

A) Redecoration should be timed around wall drying and the curing of any replastering system. Although DampSolve typically forms its barrier within weeks, the wall above the DPC can take longer to dry, especially in thick masonry or where the wall has been saturated for years. If contaminated plaster is removed and replaced, decoration should wait until the replacement plaster has cured and dried fully in line with its guidance. Breathable finishes are often preferred during drying because they allow moisture vapour to escape more readily, whereas impermeable coatings and vinyl wall coverings can trap moisture and slow progress. Redecorating too early is a common cause of staining and finish failure, particularly where salts remain or where ventilation is poor. A careful sequence, DPC injection, drying time, correct replastering, then decoration, gives the most reliable long-term result.

Q) What finishing options are best for the drill holes after using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) Drill hole finishing is mainly about tidiness and avoiding bridges at the DPC level. Externally, holes can be repointed with a compatible mortar to match the joint profile and appearance of the masonry, compacted firmly to a neat finish. Universal DPC Injection Plugs can also be used where a consistent, tidy closure is preferred, particularly on exposed brickwork. Internally, holes are often covered by the replastering system when plaster is replaced in the damp zone, or they may be left visible if detailing stops short of the DPC line. Any making good should avoid dense finishes that bridge the DPC level and interfere with the drying process. The key is to preserve the continuity and position of the treated course and to prevent finishes, screeds or plaster from bypassing the chemical DPC line.

Q) What safety precautions should be followed when using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) Safe use involves both drilling controls and careful chemical handling. Wear suitable gloves and eye protection, and use respiratory protection when drilling because masonry dust can be hazardous. Hearing protection is sensible with SDS drilling equipment, especially on long runs. Ensure good ventilation, particularly in cellars and confined rooms, and control dust to limit spread in occupied areas. Check for hidden services before drilling, including cables and pipework, and avoid drilling into unknown voids. During injection, avoid skin and eye contact, clean splashes promptly with soap and water, and keep materials away from children and food preparation areas. Maintain safe access along the wall line, manage cables and tools to prevent trip hazards, and avoid working on unstable or severely cracked masonry until structural issues are resolved. A clean, methodical set-up supports safer work and more consistent results.

Q) What are the main limitations and common mistakes with DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits?

A) DampSolve is designed to control rising damp, not penetrating damp, plumbing leaks, condensation, or lateral moisture ingress below ground level. Misdiagnosis is a major mistake, so external defects and condensation risks should be ruled out first. Bridging is another common cause of ongoing damp symptoms, including raised external ground, render bridging, internal screeds, debris in cavities, or plaster carried below the DPC line that bypasses the barrier. Installation errors also matter, missed holes, blocked holes not re-drilled, shallow drilling, inconsistent spacing, or short-filling can create gaps in the treated course. Salt persistence is another limitation: leaving salt-contaminated plaster in place can keep finishes looking damp even when the DPC is working. The most reliable outcomes come from correct diagnosis, correct DPC height, disciplined drilling and injection, and proper salt-resistant replastering where needed.

Q) How should DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits be stored and handled before use?

A) Store DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 1 Litre Cartridge Kits in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and temperature extremes, and keep cartridges sealed until required. Before starting work, prepare safe access, protect adjacent finishes, and ensure drilling holes are clean and open to full depth so injection can be consistent. Cartridges should be kept clean so dust does not contaminate the nozzle and restrict flow. The Cox Powerflow gun and brass nozzle should be checked for secure fit and smooth operation so backfilling can be done steadily without surging. During use, keep the nozzle clean and maintain consistent fill levels to avoid gaps. After a run, wipe external residues from the gun and nozzle so dried build-up does not affect future extrusion. Good storage protects the material, but careful handling and disciplined method protect the final DPC continuity.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet